Sureway Administrative Assistant Alyssa recognised with NSW Training Award
Alyssa Mckenzie, a graduate Trainee and Travel Team Administrative Assistant with Sureway Employment & Training, has been recognised in the 2020 NSW Training Awards as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for the Riverina district.
Alyssa took out the prestigious award on Monday night at the virtual awards presentation and said she was thrilled about being named as the winner.
“Both my Manager Nicole and Trainer Kylie encouraged me to put myself out there and go for this award and I am really grateful for the experience, it has been amazing.”
“When I commenced my Traineeship I was very shy, I would have never put myself out here like this!” She said.
The NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who displays a strong understanding and knowledge of the vocational education and training system and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.
Alyssa completed her Business Administration Traineeship (Certificate III) via Registered Training Organisation Sureway Skills Training (SST) while working within Sureway’s Finance team based in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
“One of my biggest achievements was being a part of establishing a new team within our Department. A lot of hard work went into the process and it really helped me develop as an individual and employee.”
Alyssa, a Wiradjuri woman originally from Lockhart NSW, said that she was passionate about giving back to the community.
“Coming from a smaller community where everyone knows everyone, you really try to do as much as you can to help others. Volunteering to coach netball for young girls is something I really enjoy and is how I give back to my community.” She said.
When asked if she had any advice for others considering a Traineeship, Alyssa said that choosing a career can be “scary” but opening yourself to a different perspective pays off in the long run.
“I wasn’t really sure what career path I wanted to take when I finished high school. I was hesitant to pursue uni and didn’t really know a lot about the traineeship process.”
“For other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island students, there can be barriers in front of you and people may tell you that you can’t do this, but I’ve gained so much confidence by stepping out of my comfort zone and giving this a real go.”
“My traineeship has given great opportunities to watch others work and I have absorbed so much from them. The modules were relevant to my day-to-day work so it was very worthwhile.”
SST Trainer and Assessor Kylie Shannon said that the award was a testament to Alyssa’s dedication and drive for her role both at work and in her community.
“Alyssa is very deserving of this award due to the strength of character she has shown in her approach to her studies. The dedication to always doing her best is very evident in all of her work.” said Kylie
“She has grown so much since coming on board as a Trainee and is a great ambassador for Sureway and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”
Alyssa extended a thank you to everyone who helped her throughout her training and development.
“A big thank you to my employer, Sureway, my manager Nicole and my extended Finance team colleagues. To my Trainer Kylie. She is such an amazing person and I am very lucky to have had her help me on this journey.”
“Also to my family and my extended Sureway family. I am very grateful to everyone for their support.”
